The school was to be called St Joseph’s in honour of the Sisters of St Joseph who would be arriving to take charge of the school and convent facility. The Nagambie faithful gathered for the milestone event which Melbourne Catholic newspaper, The Advocate reported, ‘would supply a long-felt educational want in the district and will seat 120 scholars’.

“The buildings, which are substantial brick structures adjoining St Malachy's Church, are being built by Mr T. O'Donnell at a cost of about £6000. Of pleasing design, they are a fine addition to the buildings at Nagambie and are replete with modern requirements,” the report said.

The new facilities were completed that year and on 25 January 1923 the Mother-Provincial of the Sisters of St Joseph along with three Sisters, arrived and were welcomed by the Parish Priest, Father Kavanagh and a party of Catholic ladies.

It was reported that at 11 o'clock Mass on Sunday, January 28, Fr Kavanagh welcomed the Sisters of St Joseph to the parish and expressed most warmly his hopes that the school, which was to be opened in Nagambie on Tuesday, would be the beginning of a very bright period in the Catholic life of the parish.

Father Kavanagh would have been delighted to know that his welcome to the Sisters of St Joseph would mark the beginning of a long association with Nagambie which would span 60 years, until the first lay Principal was appointed in 1984.

The celebrations commenced with a Centenary Mass on 11 March at 10 a.m. The Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Shane Mackinlay presided with Parish Priest, Fr Tony Hill as concelebrant. Former students, principals, teachers, Catholic Education Sandhurst representatives and community members joined with current staff, students and parents to mark the occasion.

Long serving teacher, Liz Tang welcomed everyone to the Centenary Mass as she touched on the history of the school which was previously named St Malachy’s.
“When a new school was needed, it was relocated to High St and was named St Joseph’s, after the Josephite Sisters who continue God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others and bring hope. They see education as the door to opportunity and thus set about opening schools so that all could have an education. Our beautiful school is a Josephite school,” she stated.

The Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Paul Desmond spoke about the spirit of the St Joseph’s Nagambie community and the positive impact that the Sisters of St Joseph had on students, past and present. Deputy Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Sr Geraldine Larkins was also in attendance; her presence as Deputy Director was welcomed, but more fittingly perhaps, as a Sister of St Joseph.

Following the Mass, a sumptuous morning tea was provided in the MacKillop Hall. Students were invited to come and choose a ‘commemorative’ cupcake with an edible school logo on top before they boarded buses and were treated to a day at Shepparton’s, ‘Kids Town’ to enjoy a celebration of their own.

The centenary program continued into the weekend with ‘student-led tours’ and an opportunity to view memorabilia in classrooms. Later that evening, a ‘meet and greet’ was held at the Nagambie Entertainment Centre, providing a perfect place for people to reminisce and enjoy each other’s company.

Monsignor Frank Marriott celebrated Mass on Sunday 13 March and another wonderful morning tea was enjoyed in the school hall before a final chance was provided for school tours. The steady gaze of the St Mary MacKillop sculpture, which is situated in the school grounds, was watching over all.

Current Principal (and former student) Maree Findlay and her team of helpers provided a magnificent event, a chance to remember and to acknowledge, but most importantly, a chance to return to a place that holds a special place in the hearts of many.